Automatic phonograph



Sept. 28, 1948. A. L. KNOX 2,450,378

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed May 10, 1943 4 SheetsSheet l INVENTOR Sept. 28, 1948. A. L. KNOX AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH INVENTOR Sept. 28, 1948. A. L. KNOX 2,450,3Y8

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed May 10, 1945 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Sept. 2s, 1.948. A. 1.. KNOX 2,450,378

AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Filed May 10, 1943 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Sept. 28, 1948' 2,450,37 8 AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH Arthur L. Knox, Fort W mesne assignments,

ayne, Ind., assignor, by

Farnsworth Research Corporation, a corporation of Indiana Application May 10, 1943, Serial No. 486,301

17 Claims.

1 This invention relates generally to automatic phonograph apparatus and more particularly to automatic phonograph apparatus for successively and repeatedly reproducing each of a plurality of records and for also automatically reproducing both sides of each of a plurality of records.

Automatic phonograph apparatus of the type mentioned above, includes a magazine for supporting a stack of records adjacent the turntable together with a mechanism for releasing one record at a time from the magazine whereby each record is placed upon the turntable, one side is reproduced and the record is returned to the magazine. Reproduction of the other side of each record is accomplished by returning each record to the side of the magazine opposite to that from which the record was first removed. By providing apparatus for causing the magazine to rotate during each record-changing cycle, all records in the magazine may be reproduced on both sides. Automatic phonograph apparatus for accomplishing these results is not only noisy in operation but also includes complicated mechanisms for handling the records and controlling the record-changing cycle. Such mechanisms,

because of their complication are diflicult and.

expensive to manufacture. Delicate adjustments requiring excessive service in the field are also inherent in prior art mechanisms.

Accordingly, the principal object of this invention is to provide a novel record-changing apparatus of the type adapted continuously to reproduce each of the plurality of records and each side of those records.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic record-changing mechanism of such construction that noise in operation is reduced to a minimum.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an automatic phonograph apparatus for successively and repeatedly reproducing each side of each record of a plurality of records. The apparatus includes a pivoted magazine adapted to support a stack of records adjacent the phonograph turntable. The records are transferred from one side of the magazine to the turntable for reproduction by a pivoted and movable tray. After reproduction of the records, the magazine is rotated through an angle of 180 and the tray elevates the record from the turntable and deposits it in therear portion of the magazine whereby the other side of the record will be reproduced when it is next transferred to the turntable. A simplified control mechanism for operating the magazine and the tray and controlling the record-changing cycle, includes a single cam gear having a plurality of cam surfaces for timing and accomplishing each control function of the mechanism whereby one record after another in the stack may be reproduced. Furthermore, the control mechanism may be adjusted to provide continuous reproduction of the records for whatever period the listener desires.

For a better. understanding of the invention, together with other and further objects thereof, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, and its scope will be pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing a group of records in the magazine and a record on the turntable in playing position;-

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the record-changing mechanism taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2 and rotated ninety degrees counterclockwise except that for purposes of clarity certain parts are omitted;

, position upon the turntable;

- in section, showing the Fig, 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view, partly mechanism for controlling the positioning of the pickup arm ove'r twelve-inch records;

Figs. 6 and 7 are fragmentary views, taken'as indicated by lines 6-6 and 1-1 of Fig. 4, but showing the base plate and turntable and showing the mechanism for properly centering released records as they are moved into playing Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view, taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 2, showing the means provided in the magazine for adapting the magazine for supporting a stack of ten-inch records or a stack of twelve-inch records;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view, taken from' the direction shown by line 9-9 of Fig. 2, showing the mechanism forreleasing a record from the magazine; and

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary view, taken from the direction shown by line [IL-I0 of Fig. 9, showing the position of the magazine, the recordmoving members, and the record-releasing mechanism when a record is released from the magazine.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1-3 of the drawings, the invention h'ere illustrated, embodies a phonograph apparatus including a base plate I5, and a rotatable shaft I6 supported thereby for operating a record-supporting turntable I! and centering the records thereon. turntable l1 and shaft it are driven by means of an electric motor Zil, pulley 2 l, and friction wheel 22 which engages the inner surface of the flange at the edge of the turntable.

There is provided for reproducin the record 23 on the turntable, a pickup 25 having a stylus The 26. The pickup is supported at one end of the pickup arm 21 which is pivoted at its opposite end on a tubular shaft 29 rotatable in a pedestal 30. The pedestal 38 may be fixed in any suitable manner to the base plate I 5. For engaging pickup arm 21 and elevating the stylus 26, there is provided a pin 3| within the tubular shaft 29. This construction is illustrated in detail in the United States Patent of Arthur L. Knox and Fritz Kahl, 2,332,650, dated October 26, 1943.

As shown in Fig. 2, the turntable shaft I6 is tapered at its upper end to facilitate in centering a record as it is moved into playing position upon the turntable There is provided for supporting a stack of records 33 in a magazine at one side of the turntable I a shaft 35 rotatably supported by the base plate I5. Pinion gear 31 is afiixed to its lower end in engagement with a rack 38 provided on a beam or connecting link 39 (Figs. 2-4). At the upper end of the shaft 35 there is afiixed a magazine 40 for receivin conventional records of various diameters such as those having a diameter of approximately ten inches and those having a cliameter of approximately twelve inches.

The magazine includes a ring 4| which is of a diameter slightly greater than that of a twelveinch record. Affixed to the lower portion of the ring 4| is a pair of members 42 disposed to engage the lower edge portion of a stack of records to support the records in the magazine. The lower edge of the rear record of the stack is prevented from sliding out of the magazine by means of a flange portion 43 (Fig. 9) which extends above the inner surface of the ring 4|.

For retaining twelve-inch records in the magazine there is provided a pair of ears 44 near the upper side of the rin 4| (Fig. 8) whereby the upper edge portion of the rear record of a stack of twelve-inch records will have its upper edge in engagement with the cars 44. Pivotally connected to the upper edge of the magazine 43 is a record-retaining member 46. A spring catch 41 is fixed to the member 46 (Figs. 2 and 8). As shown in Fig 8, the member 46 is provided with a pair of ears .49 whereby, to play a stack of ten-inch records, the member 46 may be manually moved to the full-line position shown in Fig. 2, so that ears 49 are disposed to be engaged by the upper edge of the rear record of the stack of ten-inch records. When it is desired to reproduce twelveinch records, the member 46 may be moved to the dotted-line position shown in Fig. 2 and spring catch 4'! is engaged with the upper edge of the magazine 40.

For transferring records one at a time from the magazine 40 to the turntable I! the rear record of the stack is separated from the stack by means of a spring-biased record-separating lever 50 (Figs. 1, 2 and 9). This lever is pivoted intermediate its ends as at 5| to a depending bracket 52 carried by the magazine whereby the right-hand end of the lever 58 extends into a slotted area 55 provided in the magazine 48 and is adapted to engage and lift the rear record above the flanged portion 43 (Fig. 9) to release the rear record from the magazine. The lever 50 is maintained in an inoperative position by means of a spring member 56 one end of which is connected to the magazine 48 and the other end of which is connected to the left-hand end of the lever 50. When the magazine 48 is rotated 180 in a counterclockwise direction, in a manner hereinafter to be described, the lever 58 is moved from the full-line to the dotted-line position shown in all) Fig. 9, where it is actuated in a manner to be described hereinafter, to release a record from the magazine.

When a record is released from the magazine, the next step is to move the record from the magazine to the turntable. For so moving the record, there is provided a pair of brackets 60 which extend. above the base plate l5 (Fig. 1) to rotatably support a shaft 6|. A lever 63 is connected to the left-hand end of the shaft 6| (Fig. 1) for operatin record-separating lever 59. Secured to the righthand end of the shaft 6| is a segmental gear 65, having teeth in mesh with a segmental driving gear 66 pivotally supported on a pin 68 aflixed to a bracket 69 depending below the base plate I 5 (Fig. 2). Also, affixed to the shaft 6|, between the brackets 88 are a pair of record-carrying members 18 which comprise a tray formed to be substantially concentric with the turntable IT. For centering twelve-inch records there are provided the stop pins 'H on members 78. The members 78 are adapted to be elevated to a position closely adjacent the magazine for receiving a record from the magazine when it is in the dotted-line position shown in Fig. 2. Cushioning pads 73 are provided on the members 19 (Fig. 1) for silencing the drop of a released record. As the members 10 swing downwardly on shaft 6| the record rests on record-engaging portions !4 provided on the members 10. These portions 74 are covered with suitable soft material such as felt to prevent any marring of the playing surface of the record.

While the members 78 are lowering the released record toward the turntable, the record must be moved forward to properly position it so that the centering aperture of the record may be aligned with the centering pin IE on the turntable ll. The mechanism for moving the record forward on the members 10 is shown in Figs. 1, 4, 6 and 7. There is provided a pair of brackets Tl, depending below the base plate l5, for pivotally supporting a shaft 18. Afiixed thereto is a pair of recordcentering members 8| and 82, which extend upwardly through a pair of slots 84 provided in the base plate I5, and is maintained in the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7 relative to the turntable H, by means of a spring member 85 (Fig. 7). One end of the spring 85 is aflixed to an adjustable screw 88 provided on the member 8 I, and its opposite end abuts the underside of the base plate i5 (Fig. 7). The mechanism for moving the members BI and 82 includes a member 88 aflixed to the shaft 78 (Figs. 4 and 6) and has a finger 89 provided with a notch 90 (Fig. 6). The member 88 is disposed to be engaged and actuated by a spring-biased lever 93 pivotally mounted as at 94 on the magazine-operating beam 39 (Fig. 4). The lever 93 is normally biased into engagement with a stop pin 95, provided on the beam 39, by means of a spring 96 one end of which is connected to the lever 93 and the other end of which is connected to the beam 39 (Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 4, the lever 93 is provided with a notched portion 91. When the beam 39 is moved downwardly (Fig. 4) in a manner presently to be described, the lever 93, which normally is in engagement with the stop pin 95, engages the finger 89 of the member 88 (Fig. 6) and moves the member 88 and members 8| and 82 (Figs. 4, 6 and '7) in a clockwise direction, thereby compressing the spring 85. When the lever 93 moves further downwardly and out of engagement with the finger 89, the members 8|, 82 and 88 are returned to their normal position, shown in Figs. 6 and '7, by the spring notch 90 of the member tinues to move upwardly, the lever 93, influence of the spring 96, moves broken-lines in Fig. 2 and when lowered onto the turntable I1.

4. The cam gear IIiI notched portion 91 of the lever 93 engages the 89. As the beam 39 conunder the the members 8 I ,"82 and 09 in a counterclockwisedirection, from the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7 whereby-the notch-portions (HA and 82A (Figs. 6 and 1) engage the lower peripheral edge of the record on the record-moving members 10, as shown 'in slide the record forwardly onthe members '10. The lever 93 normally moves the'members 8| and 02 in a counterclockwise direction sufficiently far to position a teninch record on the members so that its centering aperture will engage the centering pin I When a twelve-inch record is resting on the members 10, the members 8I and'82 engage and move the record forwardly until its peripheral edge engages the stop pins 1 I on the members 10, thereby to position the record to engage the centering pin IIS. However, the record engages the stop pins 1I before the lever 93 moves out of engagement with the member 08 (Fig. 4). Thus, the member 88 cannot move further in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 6). Consequently, the lever 93 is permitted to move in a clockwise direction (Fig. 4) against the biasing action of spring 96 until its notched end 91 moves out of engagement with the notch 90 of the member 88 (Fig. 6). Thus, the escapement-provided by spring 90 makes possible the centering of both ten-inch and twelveinch records by a single centering mechanism.

The mechanism for carrying out a recordchanging cycle, is disclosed in Figs. 2-4, and includes a pinion gear I00 on the turntable shaft I6 together with a mutilated cam gear IOI driven thereby and mounted on a shaft I02 (Fig. 2). The cam gear is shown in its complete form in Figs. 3 and 4, the lower surface being shown in Fig. 3 and the upper surface being shown in 'Fig. has several teeth removed as at I03, the purpose of the mutilation being to break the driving connection with the pinion gear I00. Thus, complete revolution of the camgear IOI defines a complete record-changing cycle, as will be evident hereinafter.

The cam gear is provided with a pickup arm controlling cam surface I05, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. The cam surface I05 is provided with a notched or recessed portion I05A. The pin 3|, which is movable in the tubular shaft 29 (Fig. 2) normally-engages the recessed portion I05A when the cam gear is at rest. As the pin 3I follows the cam surface I05, it moves up and down to impart vertical movement to the pickup arm 21. I

As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, a lever I08 is affixed to the lower end of the tubular shaft 29 and to its upper end there is fixed the pickup arm 21. Horizontal movement of the lever I08 effects a corresponding movement of the pickup arm 21 and vice versa. To the other end of the lever I08 is fixed a pin I09 which moves within an elongated aperture 4) of a U-shaped lever II3 (Figs. 2-4). is pivoted on a stud H4, onthe under side of the base plate I5 (Fig. 2). This lever is provided with a second arm IIB to which is affixed a pin II1, arranged to track the cam groove I06 (Fig. 3).

The aperture H0 is large enough so that the pin I09 may move freely over a wide arc corresponding to the movement of the pickup arm '21 during the reproduction of a record. The pin I IT on the arm I'IIi engages the camsurface I01 of H0 provided in an arm II2 (Fig.

Lever II3 groove I05 (Fig. 3') and is'maintained in contact with the'cam surface I01 by a spring I20, one end of which is connected to the arm H0 and the other end of which is connected to an arm I2I, fixed to the shaft I02 (Fig. 3). After thestylus 20 has been raised from the surface of the record on the turntable I1,'in the manner previously described,=and as the cam gear IOI continues to rotate, the cam surface I01 moves the arm 'I I6 of the U-shaped lever I I3 in a'counterclockwise direction (Fig. 3) about its pivot II'lI thereby moving the arm H2 in aclockwise direction (Fig. 4) causing the left-hand side of the aperture III) to engage-and drive before it the pin I09. Thus, the pin I09 and the lever I08 move the pickup arm 21 in a radialdirection away from the center of-the record. The cam surface I01 is so shaped'that when the pickup arm'reaches a predetermined distance beyond the edge of the record on the turntable, the pin I I1 enters the concentric portion of cam groove I06 and-the arm IIZ ceases its clockwise rotation.

For moving the record-moving members 10 (Fig. 1) from the'full-line position shown in Fig. 2 to a firstplane for depositing a record in the magazine 40 and to a second plane for receiving a record from the magazine 40, there is provided a link or beam I23 (Fig. 3) having an elongated aperture I24 which permits thebeam-to move with respect toshaft I02 (Fig. 3). The upper end of the beam is pivotally connected, as at I25, to the segmental gear 66 which is operatively associated with the segmental gear- (Figs. 1 and 2) The beam I23 is adapted to be moved by a pin I26 affixed thereto'for tracking the cam groove I 2.1 provided in the lower surface of the cam gear IOI (Fig. 3). Groove I21 is formed to impart several different motions to tray 10 as will be explained hereinafter. A spring member I28, which is connected between the base plate I5 and a rod I29 slidably connected to the segmental gear 60 (Fig. 2), assists in moving the segmental gears and 66 and the members 10, as will presently be described.

As shown in Fig. 3, a lever I30 is pivotally mounted as at I3I on the lower end of the beam I23. To the free end of the lever I30 there is connected a roller I32 which engages a notch-I33 provided in the cam gear IOI (Fig. 3), and is maintained in contact with the notch I33 by a spring [35, which is connected between the lever I30 and the beam I23. Engagement of the roller I32 with the notch I 33 maintains the cam gear -I0 I in a neutral position during a record-reproducing period.

The mechanism for moving the magazine 40 between its record-receiving and record-releasing vpositionsin timed relation with the movement of the members '10 includes the beam 39 (Fig. 4), which'is provided with an elongated aperture I38 whereby to allow movement with respect to the shaft 35 of the magazine 40. The lower end of the beam 39 is provided with an elongated aperture I39 whereby to allow movement over a collar I40 on the shaft I02 (Fig. 4). The beam 39 isxmoved by a pin I II afiixed thereto which tracks a cam groove I43 provided in the upper surface of the cam gear IOI (Fig. 4). Groove I43 is formed to provide movement of the magazine 40 as will be described hereinafter.

The automatic record-changing cycle effected by a complete revolution of the cam gear I0! is initiated by an automatic tripping mechanism. :In moving 'toward'the center of the record during .75 the playing thereof,the pickup arm 21-moves with 7 it the tubular shaft 29 which has secured to it a clutch I45 (Fig. 2). Clutch I45 comprises a flanged sleeve I46, aflixed to the tubular shaft 29, and a friction washer I41 upon the upper surface of the annular end of the lever I08, also affixed to the tubular shaft 29. The annular end of a lever I40 (Fig. 4) is interposed between the friction washer I41 and the flanged sleeve I46 for rotation about the tubular shaft 29. Thus, as the pickup arm 21 moves toward the center of the record, the frictional contact between the lever I48, the sleeve I46, washer I41 and lever I08, moves the lever 4). A turned-down end I50 provided on the lever I48 (Figs. 2 and 4) is adapted to engage a turnedup end I52 on a starting lever I53, which is pivotally mounted, intermediate its ends, by means of a screw I54 to the upper surface of the cam gear IOI (Fig.4).

As the pickup arm 21 approaches the inner groove of a record, it moves the lever I48 in a clockwise direction, and the starting lever I53 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 4). With each clockwise revolution of the pinion gear I (Fig. 4), a cam I56, which is fixedly secured to the shaft I6, reverses the counterclockwise movement of the lever I53 by striking the front surface of the end I51 of the lever I53 (Fig. 4) thereby returning the levers I53 and I48 to their starting position. When the stylus 26 moves into the eccentric or spiral lead-in groove customarily provided as the innermost groove of a record, the lever M0 is moved rapidly in a clockwise direction, and the starting lever I53 is moved rapidly in a counterclockwise direction, Therefore, before the pinion gear I00 can complete a full revolution, the end I51 of thelever I53 moves into a position where the cam I56 engages the side of the end I51 of the lever I53 (Fig. 4). When this occurs, the opposite end of the lever provided on the upper surface of the cam gear I M (Fig. 4) As the cam I56 continues to rotate it moves the lever I53 and therewith the cam gear IOI in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 4) sufficiently far so that its teeth mesh with the teeth of the pinion gear I 00. Thereafter, the pinion gear I00 drives the cam gear IOI through a com plete revolution to effect an automatic recordchanging cycle. As the cam gear IOI rotates through a cycle, the end I51 of the lever I53 (Fig. 4) engages a small spring member I62 fixed to the stud II4 (Fig. 2), and is moved out of the position where the end I51 would be engaged by the cam member I56, thereby to prevent a second revolution of the cam gear IOI until th mechanism is automatically tripped for the next recordchanging cycle.

In reproducing twelve-inch records, it is necessary to reduce the inward travel of the pickup arm 21. This is accomplished by a mechanism which intercepts the movement of the arm II 2 (Fig. 4) as it moves the arm I08 and the pickup arm 21 inwardly. Thi mechanism is disclosed in Figs. 2 and 5, and includes a member I65 which is positioned so that its upper end will be engaged only by a twelve-inch record when it is in playing position upon the turntable. As shown in Fig. the member I65 is adapted to be moved vertically in a bracket I66 fixed to the under side of the base plate I5. The member I 65 is provided with a pair of recessed portions I68 and I69 and a notched portion I (Fig. 5). Portions I68 and I69 are adapted to be engaged by a spring-biased ball I12, and the notch I10 is engaged by an adjustable screw I13, supported by an ear I14 pro- I 53 engages a stop I60 Cir I48 in a clockwis direction (Fig.

vided on the arm II2 (Figs, 4 and 5). When the ball I12 engages with the recessed portion I 68, the member I65 is maintained in the position shown in Fig. 5, its upper end extending above the upper surface of the turntable I 1. When a ten-inch record is placed upon the turntable I1 and the arm II2 of lever II3 moves the pickup arm 21 inwardly, the notch I10 is adjacent the screw I13 (Fig. 5), and permits the arm II2 to move inwardly to its normal position, thereby to position the pickup arm over the initial playing groove of the record. However, when a twelveinch record is placed upon the turntable I1, the record will engage the upper end of the member I65 and move it downwardly (Fig. 5). This causes the recessed portion I69 to move into engagement with the spring-biased ball I12 and the notched portion I10 to move out of the path of the screw I13 on the arm I I2. With the member I65 in this latter position, the screw I13 engages the side of the member I65 to prevent arm II2 of the U-shaped lever II3 from moving as far in a counterclockwise direction as it otherwise would, whereby the pickup arm 21 is swung inwardly through a shorter arc than is the case when a ten-inch record is on the turntable I1. During the succeeding cycle, a cam member I 18 provided on the upper surface of the cam gear id! (Figs. 4 and 5) engages the lower end of the member I 65 and moves it vertically from the dotted-line position to the full-line position (Fig. 5). If a ten-inch record is subsequently placed upon the turntable, the arm II2 is permitted to swing the pickup arm 21 inwardly over the initial groove. Thus, it is evident that the mechanism is adapted automatically to position the pickup arm so that the stylus engages the initial groove of the record regardless of whether it is a teninch record or a twelve-inch record.

Mode of operation For purposes of illustration, it will be assumed that the member 46 of the magazine is adjusted to receive a stack of ten-inch records. It will also be assumed that a record has been placed in playing position on the turntable and a stack of ten-inch records has been placed in the magazine (Fig. 2). The pickup arm 21 may be moved manually to place the stylus 26 in the startin groove of the record on the turntable I1.

The pickup arm 21 moves inwardly as the stylus 26 tracks the playing groove of the record and eventually reaches the change groove, at which time the levers I48 and I53 (Fig. 4) move rapidly in response to the rapid movement of the pickup arm 21, whereby the lever I48 moves the lever i-53.into the path of the cam I56 on the turntable shaft I6.

Engagement of the cam I56 with the end I51 of the lever I53 causes the cam gear I0! to rotate into mesh with the pinion gear I00. Cam gear IOI is driven by the pinion gear I00 through one revolution to control a record-changing cycle.

As the cam gear IOI rotates, the cam surface I05 (Figs, 2 and 4) moves the pin 3| vertically upward to lift the pickup arm 21 off the record and maintains it in an elevated position. Continued movement of the cam gear causes the cam surface I01 (Fig. 3) to move the arm II6 of the U-shaped lever II 3 in a counterclockwise direction and the arm I I 2 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 4) whereby the left-hand side of the aperture I I0 engages the pin I09 and moves the arm I08 in a counterclockwise direction to swing the pickup i) and moves the beam waive 9 arm 21' beyond the edge of therecord on the turntable.

While the pickup arm isbeing swung to its outermost position, the pin I26 on the beam I23 is tracking the cam groove area I21A. Shortly after the pickup arm 21 is moved to its outermost position, the pin I26 tracks area IZ'IB to move the beam H23 (Figs. 2 and 3) to the left and rotate the segmental gear 63 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 2). The segmental gear 66- rotates the segmental gear 65'and tray members 10 (Figs. 1 and 2) in a clockwise direction (Fig. 2) from the full-line to the vertical dotted-line position, to deposit the record in the magazine. Spring I28 exerts tension on gear 66 through enough of its rotation to lift the members 10 and the record almost to a vertical position whereby cam gear ml is relieved from carrying the entire load. Immediately after the record is deposited in the magazine 56, the pin I26 tracks cam portion I21C to move the tray members 10 back to a position intermediate the full-line position and the vertical dotted-line position shown in Fig. 2, whereby to permit rotation of the magazine.

Shortly thereafter, the cam gear I01 rotates to a position where pin MI in beam 39 tracks the cam groove area M3A of the cam groove I43 (Fig. 39 downwardly (Figs. 3 This movement of the beam 39 causes the rack 38 afiixed thereto to rotate the gear 31 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 3). As the gear 31 rotates, the magazine 40 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 1) from the full-line psition to the dotted-line position shown in Fig. 2. While the magazine 46 is in its latter position, the pin IQI tracks the cam groove area I433. Simultaneously, the pin I26 tracks cam groove area iZ'ED to move the members in a clockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 10. The lever 63 movable with tray members 10, engages and elevates the free end of the record-releasing lever 58 (Figs. 9 and 10) to release a record onto the members 16, as shown in Fig. 2. Immediately thereafter, the pin I26 tracks the cam groove area 521E tomove the beam I23 to the right (Fig. 2) and rotate the segmental gear 66 in a clockwise direction against the biasing action of the spring 528, thereby to rotate the segmental gear 65 and members lower the released record toward the turntable I1.

While the members 10 are being lowered, the pin 145 tracks the cam groove area I43C to move the beam 39 upwardly (Figs. 3 and 4). Thereupon the rack 38 rotates the gear 31 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 3) and' the magazine 40 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 1) from the dotted line position back to the full-line position shown in Fig. 2. p

As the beam 39 moves upwardly, the spring,- biased lever 93 on the beam 39 (Fig. 4) engages the member 89 on the shaft 18 (Figs. 4 and 6) to move the members 89, 8! and 82 in a counterclockwise direction (Figs. 6 and '7). Meanwhile, because of the configuration of cam area I21E, tray members 13 are lowered to the position indicated in dotted lines just above the turntable as shown in Fig. 2. The tray is held in this position for an interval suiiicient for the notched portions BIA and 82A to move into engagement with the lower peripheral edge of the record as indicated in broken lines in Fig. 2, and slide the record forward on the members 10. Thus, the record is substantially horizontal at the time during which it is centered. When the lever 93 moves beyond andout of. engagement with member 89, thereleased recand 4).

if: in a counterclockwise direction and.

16 ord is properly positioned or centered upon the: members 10 for lowering it into engagement withthe centering pin I6. As the cam gear continues:

to rotate, the pin I25 again tracks cam groove: area I21A and the tray members 10 lower the record'onto the turntable I1.

After the record is lowered onto theturntabla. the cam gear i0I rotates to the position shown in Fig. 3, where the contour of the camv surface I01 permits the spring I20 to move the arm H6 in a clockwise direction (Fig. 3) and therewith the arm i 12 ina counterclockwise direction (Fig. 4). When this occurs, the right-hand edge of the. aperture II!) (Fig. 4) engages the pin I09, and moves the lever I68 and the pickup arm 21 to a position where the stylus 26 is over the initial groove of the new record.

The cam gear IEII rotates to the position shown in Figs. 2 and 4, where the contour of the cam surface I05 (Fig. 2) permits the pin 3| to move vertically downward and thereby'return theistylus 26 into engagement with the new record on theturntable I1. Immediately thereafter, the muti lated portion ofthe. cam gear i931 moves opposite gear I00 whereby'the cam gear comes tor-est in;the'position shown in Figs. 3 and 4 of. the draw*-- ings, and reproduction of the record. just placed upon the turntable takes place.

The next and following cycles of automatic operation are initiated by the automatic trip mechanism eaohtime the stylus 26 moves intov thetrip: groove of the record. The stack of records placed in the magazine 40 will be played continuously until the mechanism is manually shut off.

In the case of twelve-inch records, the record retaining member 46 is moved manually to the dotted line position to engage spring catch 41 with the outer frame of the magazine 40; as illustrated in Fig. 2. The stack of twelve-inch records may then be placed in position in the magazine: to engage the retaining members 44 whereby the stack rests in position to have records. removed therefrom.

The operation of the automatic record changer mechanism is the same in the case of twelve-inch records as in the case of ten-inch records except that the twelve-inch records are centered on the: tray members 10 by means of the lugs H. The: record ismoved forward, by-the members 8I and:

82, into engagement with the lugs H at which:

time theirecord-moving members come to rest'by' reason of the escapement mechanism. This mechanism comprises the pivoted lever 93 andthe spring 96, the operation of which was described? previously.

After the record has been placed on the -turn table, the tone arm 21 is positioned for engagement of the stylus 26 with the initial playing groove of the record'by reason of the provision of member I 65. This memberis forced downwardly by a twelve-inch record to such a posi- 'tion that notch I69 engages the spring pressed ball I12 and notch I10 is out of alignment with the pin I13. Thus, as explained hereinbef'ore, the tone arm control lever H3 can move to position the tone arm until the pin I13 engages the member I65 at which time the stylus 26 is over the initial playing groove of the record.

From the previous description, it will be obvious that this invention provides an automatic phonograph mechanism adapted continuously to reproduce each record in a stack of records and to reproduce both sides of each record. The arrangement of parts is such that the control mechanism comprises a minimum number of parts which are Operable without imposing undue mechanical stresses and strains on any individual part. The record-handling mechanism is pe li rly adapted to handle records in a gentle manner and accurately to center records over the turntable spindle. By reason of this, each individual record is handled without danger of mutilation.

While there has been described what is at present considered the preferred embodiment of t e invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the inven-tion, and it is, therefore, aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

.What is claimed is:

1. An automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a movable magazine positioned in one plane adjacent said turntable for supporting a stack of records, driving means operatively associated with said magazine for moving it to a first position for receiving a record and to a second position for releasing a record, a movable record support positioned in another plane adjacent said turntable and said magazine, and means connected to said driving means and said record support for moving said record support in timed relation with respect to said magazine whereby, during a recordchanging cycle when said magazine is in said second position, said record support may be moved to receive a record from said magazine and transfer it to the turntable, and said record support may be moved to transfer a record from the turntable to said magazine when said magazine is in said first position.

2. An automatic phonograph comprising a, rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a movable magazine positioned adjacent said turntable and til-ted from the vertical plane for supporting a stack of records, driving means operat-ively associated with said magazine for moving it to a first position for receiving a record and to a second position for releasing a record, a movable record-supporting device pivoted in a horizontal plane adjacent said turntable and said magazine, and means connected to said driving means and said record-supporting device for moving said device in timed relation with respect to said magazine when said magazine is in the record-receiving position or in the record-releasing position.

3. An automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a movable magazine positioned in one plane adjacent said turntable for supporting a stack of records, means operatively associated with said magazine for rotating it, means connected to said means for moving said magazine to a first position for receiving a record and to a second position for releasing a record, a movable record-supporting device positioned in another plane adjacent said turntable and said magazine, and means connected to said second means and said record-supporting device for moving said device in timed relation With respect to said magazine whereby, during a record-changing cycle when said magazine is in said second position, said device may be moved to receive a record from said magazine and transfer it to the turntable, and said device may be moved to transfer a record from the turntable to said magazine when said magazine is in said firs-t position.

4. An automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a rotatable magazine positioned in one plane adjacent said turntable for supporting a stack of records, rack and pinion means opera-tively associated with said magazine for rotating it, cam means connected to said rack and pinion means for moving said magazine to a first position for receiving a record and to a second position for releasing a record, a movable record-supporting tray positioned in another plane adjacent said turntable and said magazine, and means connected tos-aid cam means and. said record-supporting tray for moving said tray in timed relation with respect to said magazine whereby, during a recoral-changing cycle when said magazine is in said first position said tray may be moved to transfer a record from said turntable to the magazine, and said tray may be moved to transfer a record from the magazine to said turntable when said magazine is in said second position.

5. An automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a magazine positioned in one plane adjacent said turntable for supporting a stack of records, a record releasing means adjacent said magazine for releasing a record from the stack, a recordsupporting device positioned in another plane adjacent said turntable and said magazine and movable to a position parallel to said magazine for receiving a record from said magazine, driving means connected to said record-supporting device for moving said device, and means operatively associated with said driving means for operating said record-releasing means when said device is in record-receiving position.

' 6; An automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a movablemagazine positioned adjacent said turntable f or supporting a stack of records, a movable rec- 0rd release lever pivoted on said magazine for engaging and reelasing an outside record in said stack, a record-supporting device adjacent said turntable and said magazine and movable to and from said magazine for moving records between said turntable and said magazine, means connected to said record-supporting device for moving it between said magazine and said turntable, and means fixed to said device in position to move said lever on said magazine when said device is moved to said magazine.

7, An automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a rotatable magazine positioned adjacent said turntable for supporting a stack of records, said magazine beingmovable during a record-changing cycle to a first position for receiving a record and to a second position for releasing a record, means operatively asosciated with said magazine for rotating it to said positions, a record release means on-said magazine for releasing a record adjacent the turntable, a record-supporting device adjacent said turntable and said magazine and movable for moving records between said turntable and said magazine, driving means connected to said record-supporting device for moving said device in timed relation to movement of said magazine whereby said device may be moved to receive a record when the magazine is in said second position and transfer said record to the turntable, and'said' device may be moved to transfer a record from the turntable to said magazine when said magazine is in said first position, and means connected to said driving means for oper- 1' 3 atin'g: said record release meanswhen said device is: in position to receive arecord.

8. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable forsupporting a record, a magazine positioned adjacent said turntable for supporting: a stack of records and movable to a first positionfor receiving a record and to a second position for releasing a record; means operatively associatedwithsaid magazine for moving said magazine to said first and second positions, a record-supporting tray adjacent the peripheryof said turntable andmovable formoving a rec ord from said turntable to said magazine when said magazine is in said first position and movable'for receiving a record from said: magazine and moving it to said turntable when said magazine is in said second position, means operatively associated withsaid trayand said magazine moving means for moving said record-supporting tray in timed relation with themovement of said magazine to a position adjacent said magazine when it is in either of said positions, and means operatively associated with said tray and said magazine for releasing a record from said magazine to said tray when said magazine is in said second position and when said tray is adjacent said magazine.

9; In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a pickup armfor reproducing a record on said turntable, a movablemagazine positionedbeyond the periphery of said turntable for supporting a stack of ten-inch records or a stack of twelveinch records, a driving means, means operatively associated withsaid' driving means and said pickup arm for elevating said pickup arm out of engagement with a record and moving it to the beginning of a record during a record-changingcycle, afirst linkage operatively associated with said magazine and said driving means for moving saidmagazine to a record-receiving position or. to a record-releasingposition, a record-supporting tray pivotally mounted adjacent the periphery of said turntable, a second linkage operatively associated with said record-supporting tray and said driving meansfor moving saidtray in timed relation with the movement o'fsaid magazine to a position adjacent the magazine when it is in the record-receiving or record-releasing position, a record-releasing means operatively associated with said magazineand said tray for releasing a record from, said. magazine to said tray when said magazine is in said record-releasing position, a pair of record-moving members pivotally mountedbeyondthe periphery of said turntable and adapted to engage the peripheral edge of a record on saidtray and move said record on said tray as said tray moves said record toward said turntable to center said record with respect to said turntable, means on said tray for limiting the forward movement of a twelve-inch record, and means connected to said first linkage for actuating said record-moving members.

10. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a movable magazine positioned beyond the periphcry of said turntable for supporting a, stack of records, a driving means, a first linkage operatively associated with said magazine and said driving means for moving said magazine to a record-receiving position or to a record-releasing, position, a record-supporting. device movably mounted adjacent the periphery. of said turntable, a second linkage operatively associated with said record supporting device and said driving means for 'moving said d'evice'in timed. relation with the movement of. said magazine to. aposition' adjacent the magazine when: it is: in the record-reeceiving or record-releasing position, a record-releasing means operatively associated with said: magazine and said device for releasing arecord from said" magazine to said device when: said.

magazine is in said record-releasing position, a

pair ofrecord-moving members pivotally mount.-

ed beyond the periphery of said turntable and:

adapted to engage the peripheral edgeofv a rec.- ordonsaid device and move saidrecord on saiddevice as said. device moves said record toward said. turntable 130106111381 said record with respect to said turntable, and. means connected to said first linkage for actuating saidv record-moving members.

11:. In an automatic phonograph comprising a. rotatable turntable for supporting a record,. a. magazine positioned beyond the periphery of. said:

turntable forsupporting a stack of records,. a

driving means, a, record-supporting device mov-- ably mountedadjacent the peripheryfoi said;tur-.n.- table, a linkage operatively associated. with. said:

record-supporting device and said driving means,

for moving said device to a position adjacent the magazine, a record-releasing means. operatively associated. with said magazine for releasing a. record from said: magazineto said device, a rec-- ord-moving member. movably mounted beyond? the periphery of said turntable and adapted. to-

engage the peripheral edge of av record on. said device and move said record on said device as,

said device movessaid; record toward said turn.- table to. center saidrecord with respect to said. turntable, and means connected to said driving meansfor actuating said record-moving member.

12:. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a magazine positioned beyond the peripheryoi said turntable forsupporting. a stack of ten-inch records or a. stack of twelve-inch records, a driving means, a, record-supporting device pivotall mounted adj acent'the periphery of said turntable, a linkage operatively associated with. said recordsupporting device and said driving means for moving said device to a position adjacent the magazine, a record-releasing means operatively associated with said magazine and said devicefor releasing a record from said magazine to said device when it is adjacent the magazine, a record-moving member movably mounted beyond the periphery of said turntable and adapted to engage the peripheral edge of a record on said device and move said record on said device as said device moves said record toward said turntable to center said record with respect to said. turntable, means on said device for limiting the forwardmovement of: a twelve-inch record, and a spring-biased lever connected to said driving means and engaging said. record-moving member for actuating it.

13. In an automatic phonograph comprising av rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a. magazine positionedv beyond the peripher of said turntable for supporting a stack of ten-inch records or a stack of twelve-inch records, a driving means, a record-supporting device pivotally' mounted adjacentv the periphery of said, turntable, a linkage operatively associated with, said it is adjacent the magazine, a record-moving member movably mounted beyond the periphery of said turntable and adapted to engage the peripheral edge of a record on said device and move said record on said device as it moves said recordtoward said turntable to center said record with respect to said turntable, means on said device for limiting the movement of a, twelve-inch record, and escapement means connected to said driving means and engaging said record-moving member for actuating it to center a teninch record or move a twelve-inch record to the limit allowed by said limiting means.

14. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a magazine movably mounted beyond the periphery of said turntable for supporting a stack of large or small records, a driving means, a first linkage connected to said magazine and said driving means for moving said magazine to a record-receiving position or a record-releasing position, a record-supporting member movably mounted beyond the periphery of said turntable, means on said record-supporting member for limiting the movement of large records, a second linkage operatively connected to said driving means and said record-supporting member for moving it in timed relation with the movement of said magazine to a record-depositing or receiving position adjacent said magazine when it is in either the record-receiving or record-releasing position, a record-moving member movably mounted beyond the periphery of said turntable and adjacent said record-supporting member, and springbiased means connected to said first linkage to engage said record-moving member in timed relation with the movement of said record-supporting member for centering a small record with respect to said turntable or moving a large record into engagement with said limiting means.

15. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a pickup arm for reproducing a record on said turntable, means positioned adjacent said turntable for supporting a stack of ten-inch records ora stack of twelve-inch records, means adjacent said supporting means and said turntable for transferring records from the magazine to the turntable, driving means connected to said record-transferring means for operating it, a control lever operatively associated with said driving means and said pickup arm for moving said pickup arm beyond the edge of a record on said turntable and for returning said pickup arm to the beginning of a'record on said turntable,

and an intercepting mean comprising a depressable notched member projecting into the plane of a twelve-inch record when said record is in playing position upon said turntable and disposed with respect to said control lever so that the control lever may enter the notch in said notched member when a ten-inch record is on said turntable but cannot enter said notch when the notch member is depressed by a twelve-inch record whereby to intercept the inward movement of said pickup arm moving means to properly position the pickup arm at the beginning of a twelveinch record.

16. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a pickup arm for reproducing a record on said turntable, means positioned adjacent saidturntable for supporting a stack of ten-inch records or a stack of twelve-inch records, means adjacent said supporting means and said turntable for transferring records from the magazine to the turntable, drivingmeans connected to said record-transferring means for operating it, a control lever and cam operatively associated with said driving means and said pickup arm for elevating and moving said pickup arm beyond the edge of a, record on said turntable and for returning said pickup arm to the beginning of a record on said turntable, an adjustable element on said lever, and an intercepting means comprising a notched member projecting into the plane of a twelve-inch record when said record is in playing position upon said turntable and disposed with respect to said adjustable element so that it may enter the notch in said notched member When a ten-inch record is on said turntable but cannot enter said notch when the notched member is depressed by a twelveinch record whereby to intercept the inward movement of said pickup arm moving means to properly position the pickup arm at the begining of a twelve-inch record.

17. In an automatic phonograph comprising a rotatable turntable for supporting a record, a pickup arm fOr reproducing a record on said turntable, means including a frame positioned adjacent said turntable, a movable member in said frame for supporting a stack of ten-inch records and projections on said frame for supporting a stack of twelve-inch records, means adjacent said supporting means and said turntable for transferring records from the magazine to the turntable, driving means connected to said record- -transierring means for operating it, a control lever operatively associated with said driving means and said pickup arm for moving said pick up arm beyond the edge of a record on said turntable and for returning said pickup arm to the beginning of a record on said turntable, and an intercepting means comprising a notched member projecting into the plane of a twelve-inch record when said record is in playing position upon said turntable and disposed with respect to said control lever so that the control lever may enter the notch in saidnotched member when a ten-inch record is on said turntable but cannot enter said notch when the notched member is depressed by a twelve-inch record whereby to intercept the inward movement of said pickup arm moving means to properly position the pickup arm at the beginning of a twelve-inch record.

' ARTHUR L. KNOX.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Germany June 7, 1935 

